The Riverview Park Recreation Area and Campground in Dardanelle is one of many parks operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers across the state forced to close because of the government shutdown.

Campers were told Tuesday morning they must leave the premises by 8 p.m.

The campground, which is located immediately below the Dardanelle Dam and Powerhouse, will be closed for the duration of the shutdown, including the fishing area.

“That’s how some people make their living is fishing here,” camper Cindy Downs said. “You can get a fishing license for $10 and eat for the whole year. Now the boat launch is going to be closed and there’s no fishing allowed. That’s going to hurt the locals.”

Cindy and her husband Barry were among the campers told to leave the campgrounds.

“It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” Barry said.

Barry said they had planned to stay at the campground until it closed for the season Nov. 1, but now they may have to go stay at a state park, which is more expensive.

“They’re [state parks] going to make a killing,” Barry said.

Fisherman Aaron Siribouth found out about the closure from a notice a park official left on the windshield of his truck.

“It really sucks,” Siribouth said. “I live a mile away and come here to fish on my days off. I guess I’ll have to find another spot to fish.”

Late Tuesday morning, Riverview was almost completely void of campers. An orange barrel at the entrance with a sign that read, “Park Temporarily Closed Due To Government Shutdown” partially blocked the entrance to the park.

“This place is always full and look at it now,” Cindy Downs said, pointing to the mostly empty parking lot. “The people pay the price of the government’s stubbornness. They’re trying to out-stubborn each other.”

Corps of Engineers public affairs spokesperson Laurie Driver said while Corps campgrounds and day-use facilities were closed, essential operations at Lake Dardanelle, such as the lock and dam and the hydroelectric plant, would remain operational.

National Wildlife Refuges, including Holla Bend, are also closed to the public due to the shutdown. While a lapse in appropriations remains in effect, public access will be prohibited and fish and wildlife management activities and public programs will be canceled. This includes all hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education, interpretive, camping, hiking, and boating activities occurring on refuge lands and waters.